Checkout counter



Dec- 4, 1962 w. T. BRIGHAM r-:TAL 3,066,760

CHECKOUT COUNTER Filed Jan. 17, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 E Ns Dec. 4, 1962 w. T. BRIGHAM ETAL 3,066,760

CHECKOUT COUNTER Filed Jan. 17, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent Orifice 3,066,760 Patented Dec. 4, 1962 3,066,764) CHECKGUI COUNTER William T. Brigham, 3 E. 77th St., New York, NSY., and Leonard .lohn Gern/eck, 26d Cantar-bury Drive, Ramsey, NJ.

Filed Jan. 17, 1961, Ser. No. 83,257 Claims. (El. 186-1) `The present invention relates generally to checkout counters for use in self-service retail stores and specifically to a checkout counter incorporating transfer means to carry packages longitudinally along the counter.

The use of checkout counters in self-service supermarkets and the like is well known. The usual checkout counter includes an elongated upper surface at one end of which the customer deposits the individual items to be purchased. The cashier, who is situated on the side of the counter opposite from the customer, registers each of the individual items on a cash register and moves the items toward the opposite end of the counter. When each of the individual items is tabulated and the total recorded on the cash register, the cashier or an assistant then places the individual purchases in one or more -appropriate containers. While one customers purchases are being tabulated and bagged by the cashier, another customer may deposit his purchases at the deposit area at one end of the checkout counter. The process of tabulation and movement of the individual items along the length of the checkout counter is then repeated.

A variety of differing means have been employed to aid the cashier in moving the individual packages along the length of the checkout counter, however, these means generally have one or more disadvantages which prevent their universal acceptance. For example, one of the more popular devices comprises a U-shaped member positioned at one end of the counter which, when pulled by the cashier towards the other end of the counter, is effective to scoop up the individual packages and transport them along the checkout counter towards the cashier. The U-shaped member is then returned to its posit-ion at the deposit end of the counter such that the next customer may place his packages in front of the bight portion of the U-shaped member. Although this device has achieved wide popularity, it is extremely difficult for the cashier to move the U-shaped member against the heavy loads often encountered. In addition, the high degree of strain which is placed upon the device itself has resulted in a relatively large number of mechanical failures. More complicated devices have been employed to aid in the transport of individual packages alo-ng the length of the checkout counter which have employed a variety of power driven conveyors and the like. Although such devices operate relatively eiciently and are effective to ease the cashiers burden, they are relatively expensive to purchase and to maintain.

Among the more important features of a desirable checkout counter, in addition to the requirement that it easily transports packages along the length of the counter, is that each of the individual packages be delivered to a specified checking location. The cashier must individually inspect each package, turning such that the stamped price designation is visable. If the customers packages are deposited on the counter, even if moved from the end of the counter to the position of the cashier, the cashier must sort through the mass of packages which may extend a good distance down the length of the counter. This requires that the cashier tabulate packages at various locations along the length of the counter, or alternatively, individually move the packages by hand a relatively large distance along the checkout counter to the checking location thereby introducing a relatively high degree of physical activity and therefore, a relatively high degree of inefficiency into the checking operation. In the past, some checkout Counter package transport aids have provided powered means which were effective to deliver one package after the next to a checking location, however, the use of expensive powered checkout counters has proven far too expensive, both in original cost and in maintenance, for a larger portion of the self-service retail outlets that have a need for an inexpensive etiicient transport aid for use in checkout counters.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a checkout counter incorporating package transfer means which obviates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art devices. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide transfer mechanisms in a checkout counter which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain and which provides an eicient and easy to operate method of transporting individual packages along the length of the checkout counter.

lt is further Within the contemplation of the present invention to provide a checkout counter incorporating a package transfer mechanism whereby a group of packages deposited at one end of the checkout counter may be moved to a checking location at which the individual packages may be registered by the cashier, with the group of packages continuing its motion such that each package may be tabulated in turn at the checking location by the cashier.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide transfer means in a checkout counter which utilizes the force of gravity to transfer the number of packages along the length of the checkout counter.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a transfer device in a checkout counter which is effective to move a pile of packages from a package-deposit location at one end of the checkout counter to a packagechecking location adjacent the cashier such that the deposit location is immediately clear for the deposit of packages by the next successive customer.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment which demonstrates features of the present invention, there is provided a checkout counter for advancing packages from a package-deposit location to a package-checkout location comprising a frame upon which is mounted an elongated package-deposit platform. The deposit platform is inclined downwardly relative to the horizontal from an upper end to a lower end and is formed of a plurality of spaced apart platform members whose upper surfaces provide a package-deposit surface. A stop member is mounted transversely on the frame defining the checkout location adjacent the lower end of the package-deposit platform. A package-pickup and transport platform is provided and is adapted to lift packages off the packagedeposit platform and to advance the same under the influence of gravity toward and into contact with the stop member. The package-pickup and transport platform includes a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surface which effectively provide a package transport surface. These transport platform members are spaced apart a distance such that they are adapted to lit between the deposit platform members. Carriage means are provided which include cooperating rollers and inclined tracks mounting the transport platform for movement, within the checkout counter and under the influence of gravity, from a package-pickup location at the package-deposit location toward the package-checkout location at the stop member. Actuating means are operatively connected to the transport platform and the carriage means for movement of the transport surface from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform when the transport platform is in its pickup location such that packages may be lifted off the package-deposit platform and onto the pickup and transport platform. The carriage means are effective to progressively advance the pickup and transport platform and its contained packages, under the influence of gravity, relative to the stationary package-deposit platform incident to the checkout of packages at the checkout location, A discharge platform is mounted on the frame adjacent the stop member and extends away from the stationary package-deposit platform and is adapted to receive successive packages after tabulation by the cashier at the checkout location.

The above brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be best appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. l is `a side elevational view of a checkout counter according to the present invention with portions broken away for the sake of clarity. The pickup and transport platform is shown in full line in its retracted position at the checking location, and in phantom at its pickup location at the deposit location. Packages are shown deposited at one end of the checkout platform at the deposit area;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. l with portions broken away for the sake of clarity showing the transport platform in its operative position at its pickup location;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to that in FIG. 1 illustrating the pickup and transport platform at the checkout location with the packages illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 at the deposit area having been transferred to the checkout location adjacent the discharge area; and,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 4 4 of FIG, l and looking in the direction of the arrows illustrating the relationship between the deposit platform members and the pickup and transport platform members with the transport platform in its retracted position.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a portion of the checkout counter shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrating a Second embodiment of the actuating means to move the pickup and transfer platform and the carriage assembly. FIG. 5 shows the pickup and transfer platform in its retracted or inoperative position;

FIG. 6 is an elevational View of the mechanisms seen in FIG. 5 in the raised or operative position;

FIG. 7 illustrates the mechanism shown in FIG. 5 when the actuating means are utilized to move the pickup and transfer platform from its operative to its inoperative position; and,

FIG. 8 is a modified view of the device shown in FIG. 5 illustrating a further modification comprising the mounting means for the carriage means. In the modification of FIG. 8, the carriage assembly is moved on a series of rollers mounted along the length of the checkout counter rather than by the movement of rollers mounted on the carriage which ride on tracks mounted on the checkout counter as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7.

Referring now specifically to `the drawings, there is shown in FIG. l a checkout counter generally designated by the numeral 10, which incorporates features and advantages according to the present invention. The checkout counter 10 incorporates a frame 12 including side walls 14, 16 and end walls 18, 20. In general, the counter 10 includes a deposit area formed by the package-deposit platform, designated by the numeral 22, at the right hand end of the counter as seen in the drawings, and a checkout location labelled by the numeral 24 at an intermediate point along the length of the counter. rIhe customer deposits his packages P in the usual manner on the upper surface at one end of the counter 1G in the present illustrative case, the deposit platform 22. The cashier, who is located at the intermediate portion of the checkout counter 10, then transports the packages P across the checkout location 24, which is defined by the cross member 26, to the bagging area provided by the discharge platform 28 which is positioned lbetween the side walls 14, 16 and between the end wall 2t? and the cross member 26. A pair of complementary tracks 39, 32 are mounted at a slight angle to the horizontal on the side walls 14, 16, respectively extending from under the deposit area 22, down the length of the checkout counter 10, under the cross member 26 and below the discharge platform 2S. A pickup and transport platform, generally designated by the numeral 34, is mounted for movement on the tracks 30, 32 and is adapted to transport the pacakges P from the deposit platform 22 to the checkout location 24.

The deposit platform 22 is formed of a series of deposit platform members 36 which are mounted within the checkout counter lil parallel to the side walls I4, 16 in the vertical plane and parallel to the track Sil, 32 of the horizontal plane. In the present illustrative embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 3, nine such deposit -members 36 are provided and are mounted within the checkout counter It? by means of the bracket 33 secured to the end wall 1.8 at the right hand end as viewed in FIG. l and by means of a depending mounting element 4t? which is hung on the underside of the cross brace 26. The individual deposit platform members 36 are uniformly spaced from each other across the width of the checkout counter It?. The upper surfaces 36a of the members 36 provide the package support means of the deposit platform 22 upon which the customer may place his packages P. The spacings between each of the deposit platform members 36 is such to provide sufficient support for normal items that are purchased without falling through the spaces left therebetween, however, sufficient space is left between each of the platform members 35 for the passage of the members of the pickup and transport platform 34 as will be described in detail below.

T he pickup and transport platform 34 is generally con structed of a series of elongated transport platform member 44. Ten (l0) members 44 are provided in the present illustrative embodiment, arranged in rigid spaced parallel relationship such that the individual members 44 may be placed between the individual members 36 which form the deposit platform 22. The transport platform members 44 are held in rigid parallel relationship with respect to each other by means of the cross braces 46 which are secured to each of the platform members 44 at their downward extensions 44a. The upper surface 441; of the transport platform members 44 provide a transport surface upon which packages P may be transported as will be described below.

The transport platform 34 is mounted upon a carriage assembly, generally designated by the numeral 48, which includes four (4) wheels 50 which are joined together for rotation in rectangular orientation by means of the side arms 52 and the cross bars 54. As may be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the carriage assembly 4S forms a rigid rectangular body including the side arms 52 and the cross members 54 with a wheel 50 mounted for easy rotation at eachV corner thereof. The pickup and transport platform 34 is secured to the carriage assembly 4S by the guide links 56 secured at one end to the cross bars 54 immediately inwardly of the wheels 5G. The guide links 56 are pivotally mounted at their other ends to the outer transport platform members 44 yat the pivot points 58, which are spaced apart a distance equal to the spacing between the cross bars 52 such that the guide links 56 are oriented in parallel relationship. It will thus be appreciated that when the carriage assembly 48 is mounted upon the tracks 3f), 32, the pickup and transport platform 34 is adapted for longitudinal movement along the length of the tracks 30, 32 and is further adapted for transverse movement with respect to the carriage assembly 48 by pivotal movement of the guide links S6. The guide links 56 and the side arms 52 of the carriage assembly 48 provide a pair of parallel four-bar linkages wherein the side arms 52 form the stationary members and the guide links 56 and the pickup and transport platform 34 provide the -movable members.

Actuating means are provided to effect the relative movement between the pickup and 4transfer platform 34 and the carriage assembly 48. This actuating means includes a handle 6i) having a lower portion 66a and an upper portion 60h at an angle thereto. The handle 66 is pivotally mounted intermediate the ends of its lower portion 60a at the pivot 62 on the transport platform member 44 which is situated closest to the side wall 16. Below the pivot 62 the lower portion 60a of the handle 6@ is effective to engage a camming pin 64 which extends outwardly from the side arm 52 of the carriage assembly 48. It will be appreciated that when the upper' portion 6011 of the handle 60 is rotated by the cashier grasping the knob 6de and moving same upwardly, the handle 6i) will pivot about the pivot point 62 such that the lower end of the lower arm ila will engage the camming pin 64 thereby producing a relative motion of the transport platform 34 with respect to the carriage assembly 4S. This movement from a lowered retracted position, as illustrated in FIG. l, to a raised loperative position as illustrated in FIG. 3 is shown at stage of its completion in FIG. 2 wherein the handle 6b has been pivoted to its full rotation about the pivot point 62 thus driving the carriage assembly 48 to the left with respect to the transport platform 34. It will be appreciated that with this motion the guide links 56 pivot about the points 58, 6i) and assume a position which is closer to the perpendicular with respect to the individual platform members 44 thereby raising the level of the upper or transport surface 4411 of the transport platform 34.

The handle 6@ at the pivot 62 is provided with spring means (not shown) which is effective to bias the handle 60 in the counter clcokwise direction such that it normally engages a stop 66 which is secured to the end transport platform member 44 thereby positioning the handle 60 in its normal location as seen in FIGS. l and 3.

When the cashier pivots the handle 6i) about its pivot point 62, the transport platform 34 is moved to the right with respect to the carriage assembly y48 thereby rotating the guide links 56 about the pivots 58, 60u After the links 56 have achieved a vertical orientation, the weight of the transport platform 34 will tend to further the rotation of the guide links 56 about the pivots 58, 6i). However, a stop 63 is provided on a platform member 44 to engage one of the guide links 56 to halt the rotation just beyond the perpendicular point. The weight of the transport platform 34 will then be effected to maintain the relationship as defined by the stop 63. The handle 60, when released by the cashier will, under the impetence of its bias spring, be returned to the normal position as dictated by the stop 66. At either its operative or retracted position, the platform 34 may be moved along the tracks 30, 32 by relatively light pressure exerted on the handle 60.

To provide a more complete understanding of the invention as embodied in the checkout counter 10` disclosed herein, a description of the sequence of operations will now be given. With lthe checkout counter and the various mechanisms thereof in the positions as indicated in FIG. l, a customer may deposit his individual packages P upon the deposit platform 22 provided by the deposit platform members 44. The cashier, who is located at approximately the mid point of the checkout counter 1t) then moves the packages P to the checkout location 24 such that the cashier may individually see, handle and tabulate each package as it is passed over the checkout location 24. This movement of the packages P is accomplished by the pickup and transfer plat- 6 form 34. The cashie pushes the platform 34 from the lower to the upper end of the tracks 30, 32 by relatively light pressure applied against the handle 60. This is an easy operation since the platform is mounted for easy longitudinal movement by the carriage 48. When the platform 34 has reached the upper end of the tracts 30, 32, at least one of the wheels 5t) engages the stop 3021 thereprovided which is effective to halt the further longitudinal motion of the platform 34. Further pushing motion on the handle 6@ pivots the handle 60 about its pivot point 62 which is effective to raise the transport platform 34 from its retracted position to its raised or operative position. it will 'be appreciated that the operative position of the transport platform 34 places the package-transport surfaces 44]; above the level of the package-support surface 36a of the deposit members 36. This upward movement of the transport platform 34 is effective to raise the individual packages P such that they are above the deposit members 36 and will be supported solely by means of the individual members 44 of the pickup and transport platform 34, as shown in FIG. 2. The weight of the packages P combined with the weight of the platform 34 is effective to move the transport platform 34 and the packages P downwardly along the length of the inclined tracks 39, 32. lf desired, this motion may be guided by the cashier by means of the handle 60. When the platform 34 has moved downwardly from the position shown in FIG. 2 to that shown in PIG. 3, the first package P engages against the cross member 26 which is placed at the point most convenient for the cashier to examine the individual package P and record same upon the cash register, i.e. the checking location 24. The contact of the first package P against the cross member 26 will prevent further downward movement of the transport platform 34. The cashier, after recording the price of the individual package P at the checking location 24, then lifts, slides or rolls the package P over the cross member 26 and onto the top of the discharge platform 28. As each package P is removed from the transport platform 34, the platform is free to move, under the influence of gravity, down the inclined tracks 30, 32 until the next package P is engaged against the cross member 26. This process is repeated until the cashier has tabulated each of the packages P at which time the transport platform 34 will be cleared of packages P which will all be contained on the discharge platform 28. As may be best seen in FIG. 3, when the platform 34 is in its operative position, the package supporting surfaces 441'; are located above the deposit platform members 36 and immediately below the lower level lof the cross member 26 such that no packages may be carried below the dischargeplatform 28. Where extremely flat items are to be carried by the platform 34, individual fingers may be dependingly mounted on the cross member 26 to extend between the transport platform members 44 and below the transport surfaces 44h thereby to insure that all items contained on the platform 34 will pass over and not under the cross member 26.

When the pickup and transfer platform 34 moves to the lower end of the inclined tracks 30, 32, the wheels Sil engage the lower stop 30h as is seen in FIG. l. This sudden halt of the carriage assembly 4S is effective to cause the inertia of the :transport platform 34 to pivot the guide links 56 about the pivot points 58, 60 and to place the transport platform 34 in its lowered, inoperative position. When each of the individual packages P have been placed on the discharge platform 2S, the cashier or her assistant may bag the packages P in the manner well known in self-service retailing.

While the above process is being carried out the next customer may place his packages, labelled in FIG. 3 as Pl, on the deposit platform 22. Since the first customers packages P have been bodily moved as a unit from the deposit platform 22 by means of the transfer platform 34, that rst area is free for use by the next customer. When each of `the rst customers packages P have been checked out by the cashier at the checking location, and the pickup and transfer platform 34 has assumed its retracted position, the cashier returns the transfer platform 34 to the upper end of the inclined tracks 31), 32 by pushing against the handle 60. When the carriage assembly 48 has moved to its limit point as defined by the stop 30a, the cashier continues to move the handle 69 such that it pivots about its pivot point 62 thereby raising the level of the transport platform 34 which is effective, as described in detail above, to lift the package P1 off of the deposit platform 22 and onto the transport platform 34. The packages P1 as carried by the platform 34 are then moved downwardly towards the checkout location 24 and the process as described above is repeated.

In the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, which offers an alternative construction for the actuating means, similar parts to those shown in FiGS. l through 4 will be indicated by similar numerals in the 100 series. Thus, the pickup and transfer platform 134, having individual members 144, is pivotally mounted `at pivots 158 to the guide links 156 of the carriage 148. At the lower ends of the guide links 15d and at the ends of the side -arms 152 of the carriage 148 are mounted the wheels 150 which support the carriage 148 and the transport Vplatform 134 on the inclined tracks 130.

The actuating means includes a handle 169 pivotally mounted at 162 to the end member of the platform 134. At the lower end of the handle ldd there is a first extension 18@ which coacts with a pin 164irigidly secured -to and projecting from the side arm 152. When the pickup and transfer platform 134 is in its retracted position, as shown in FIG. 5, and the handle 16u is pivoted about the point 162, the iirst handle extension igt? hits the pin 164 moving it to the left (as viewed in FIG. 5) thereby forcing the guide links 156 to rotate about the pivots S to reach the relative position shown in FIG. 6 wherein the platform 13d is in its raised or operative position. At this point the guide links 156 are engaged with the stops 168 to hold the platform 134 in position.

The construction of this second embodiment of the activating means is such as to allow the cashier to easily move the platform 134 from its operative to its inoperative posi-tion, even in cases where the platform has not made its full travel. This is accomplished by the provision of the second handle extension 182 and the spring and piston stop 184. When the handle 16) is not being used it assumes a normal position governed by the stop 184 similar, in this function, to the stop 66 illustrated in FIGS. l through 4. However, stop 184 provides for an overriding of the normal position of the handle 166. The stop 184 includes a piston and rod 186 and a coil spring 188 biasing the piston and rod downwardly and to the left as seen in the drawings. This construction allows the handle to move past the normal position of the stop 184 when force is exerted to drive the handle 160 in a counter-clockwise direction.

When it is desired to lower the platform y134 to its retracted position, the cashier presses down on the handle 160, compressing the spring 18S as seen in FIG. 7. This motion moves the second extension 182 of the handle 161) through a complementary movement. The extension 182 is placed such that it is immediately adjacent the pin 164 when the platform 134 is in its operative position and the handle is in its normal position. This movement of the handle extension 182 is sufficient to move the side arm 152 and the guide links past dead center such that the platform 134 falls to its retracted, inoperative position. This motion `is illustrated by the directional arrows in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 8, a further alternative structure is shown with similar parts being labeled by similar numerais in the 200 series. The carriage assembly 248 simply consists of the side arms 252 pivotally connected to the guide links 256 at the pivot 256a, the opposite side arms being interconnected by cross members (not shown) similar to the cross members shown in FIG. 4. The carriage 248 rides along the length of the checkout counter 210 on a series of individual rollers 291) which are carried by inclined roller mounts 292 at an angle to the horizontal. The roller mounts 292 are inclined at substantially the same angle as the tracks 30, 32 shown in FIGS. l through 4. The side arms 252l are supported by, and ride on top of the rollers 290. Thus, the carriage means in checkout counter 21d provides the same function as the carriage means in counter 10, the only difference being, the physical placement of the respective rollers.

It should be appreciated that various other alternative structures `may be employed t0 achieve similar results to those produced by the checkout counter 10. For example, it is possible to utilize a different means than the inclined tracks Sill, 32 to impart a bias to the transport platform 34 for movement in the direction of the checkout location 24. Spring means may be operatively secured to the carriage assembly 48 to produce the requisite bias to the transport platform or any one of a large number of other well known bias producing means may be employed.

From the foregoing it wili be appreciated there is provided in accordance with the present invention a checkout counter of relatively simple design wherein the force of gravity is utilized in an advantageous fashion to transport packages along .the length of a self-service, retail outlet checkout counter. Customers merely place their packages at a deposit area at one end of the checkout counter and a simple movement by the cashier is effective to transport the packages in buik towards `a checkout location where the individual items are recorded on a cash register. As each individual item is checked, the force of gravity is effective to move the remaining packages towards the checkout location such that the cashier need only concern herself with packages located at one particular point of operation. As the individual packages are tabulated by the cashier, they are placed upon a discharge platform where the packages are placed in suitable bags or containers as is the normal practice. While the packages of one customer are being tabulated at the checking location, the next customer may place his packages on the deposit area which has been cleared by the vbulk movement of `the packages of the first customer. The pickup and transport platform provided according to the present invention is simply moved by the cashier towards the pickup location where the movement of an actuating lever is effective to raise the next customers packages onto the transport platform. The weight of gravity is then effective to move the platform and its contained pacakges towards and up to the checkout location for tabulation by the cashier. The checkout counter according to the present invention provides inexpensive and easy to operate mechanisms which effectively aid the cashier in moving and tabulating the individual customerselected packages associ-ated with self-service retailing.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended `in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed `broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.

What we claim is:

l. A checkout counter for advancing packages from a package-deposit location at one end of said checkout counter to a package-checkout location intermediate the ends of said counter comprising a frame, an elongated stationary package-deposit platform extending from said end of said checkout counter toward said checkout location and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a stop member disposed accenno transversely of said frame adjacent said platform members at said checkout location, a package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages off said package-deposit platform and to advance the same toward and into contact with said stop member, said pickup and transport platform including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform' members having upper surfaces providing a package transport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to t between said deposit platform members, carriage means including cooperating rollers and tracks mounting said transport platform for movement within said checkout counter from a package-pickup location at said one end of said checkout counter toward said package-checkout location at said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport platform on said carriage means for movement of said transport surface from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said packagedeposit platform to an operative position above the package deposit surface of said package deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pickup location such that packages may be lifted off said package-deposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform, actuating means operatively connected to said package and pickup platform to effect said movement between said retracted and said operative position, said carriage means being eective to advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages relative to said stationary package-deposit platform incident to the checkout of packages at said checkout location, and a discharge platform mounted on said frame adjacent said checkout location and extending away from said stationary packagedeposit platform and being adapted to receive packages after checkout.

2. A checkout counter for advancing packages from a package-deposit location at one end of said checkout counter to a package-checkout location intermediate the ends of said counter comprising a frame, an elongated stationary package-deposit platform mounted on said frame and extending from said one end of said checkout counter toward said checkout location and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a stop member disposed transversely of said frame adjacent said checkout location, a package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages off said package-deposit platform and to advance the same toward and into contact with said stop member and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surfaces providing a packagetransport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to fit between said deposit platform members, carriage means including cooperating rollers and tracks mounting said transport platform for movement from a package-pickup location at one end of said package-deposit platform toward a package-discharge location adjacent said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport platform on said carriage means for movement of said transport surface from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pickup location such that packages may be lifted off said packagedeposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform actuating means operatively connected to said package and pickup platform to effect said movement between said retracted and said operative position, said carriage means being effective to progressively advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages, under the influence of gravity, relative to said stationary package-deposit platform incident to the checkout of packages at said checkout location, and a discharge platform extending away from said stop member and from said stal@ tionary package-deposit platform to receive successive packages after checkout.

3. A checkout counter for advancing packages from a package-deposit location to a package-checkout location, comprising a frame, an elongated stationary packagedeposit platform mounted on said frame including a plurality of spaced apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a stop member defining said checkout location disposed transversely of said frame adjacent one end of said deposit platform members, a package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages off said package-deposit platform and to'advance the same toward and into contact with said stop member said pickup and transport platform including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-transport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to fit between said deposit platform members, carriage means mounting said transport platform for movement from a package-pickup location at said package-deposit location on said packagedeposit platform toward a package-discharge location at said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport platform on said carriage means for movement of said transport surface from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pickup location such that packages may be lifted off said package-deposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform', actuating means operatively connected to said package and pickup platform to effect said movement between said retracted and said operative position, and bias means in said checkout counter being effective to bias said carriage means such that said pickup and transport platform is biased for movement away from said pickup location toward said discharge location, said carriage means being effective to progressively advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages, under the inliuence of said bias means, relative to said stationary package-deposit platform incident to the checkout of packages at said checkout location.

4. A checkout counter for advancing packages under the influence of gravity from a package-deposit location to a package-checkout location comprising a frame, an elongated stationary package-deposit platform downwardly inclined relative to the horizontal from an upper end to a lower end and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a Stop member disposed transversely of said frame adjacent said lower end of said platform members defining said checkout location, a package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages off said package-deposit platform and to advance the same under the influence of gravity toward and into contact with said stop member and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surfaces providing a packagetransport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to fit between said deposit platform members, carriage means including cooperating rollers and inclined tracks mounting said transport platform for movement within said checkout counter under the influence of gravity from a package-pickup location at said package-deposit location toward said packagecheckout location at said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport surface for movement from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pickup location such that packages may be lifted off said package-deposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform, actuating means opera- 1l tively connected to said package and pickup platform to effect said movement between said retracted and said operative position, said carriage means being effective to progressively advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages, under the influence lthe influence of gravity from a package-deposit location at one end of said checkout counter to the cashier at a package-checkout location at an intermediate point on said counter comprising a frame, an elongated stationary package-deposit platform mounted on said frame and ldownwardly inclined relative to the horizontal from an upper end to a lower end and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a

lstop member defining saidvcheckout location disposed transversely of said frame adjacent said lower end of said platform members, a package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages olf said package-deposit platform and to advance the same under the influence 'of gravity toward and into contact with said stop member said pickup ,and transport platform including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-transport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to fit between said deposit platform members, carriage means including cooperating rollers and inclined tracks secured to said frame supporting said transport platform for movement under the influence of gravity from a package-pickup location adjacent said upper end of said package-deposit platform toward a package-discharge location adjacent said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport platform on said carriage means for movement of said pickup and transport platform from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pickup location such that packages may be lifted olf said package-deposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform and actuating means including a handle operatively interconnecting said package and pickup platform and said carriage means to effect said movement between said retracted and said operative position at said pickup location in response to movement of said handle by the cashier, said carriage means being effective to advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages, under the influence of gravity, relative to said stationary package deposit platform towards said checkout location at said stop, said pickup and transport platform halting when one of said packages engages said stop, said pickup and transport piatform and said contained packages continuing further progressive advancement towards said pickup location at said stop as individual packages are checked out.

6. A checkout counter for advancing packages under the influence of gravity from a package-deposit location at one end of said checkout counter to the cashier at a package-checkout location at an intermediate point on said counter comprising a frame, an elongated stationary package-deposit platform mounted on said frame and downwardly inclined relative to the horizontal from an upper end to a lower end and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a stop member defining said checkout location disposed transversely of said frame adjacent said lower end of said platform members, package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages off said package-deposit platform and to advance the same under the influence of gravity toward and into contact with said stop member said pickup and transport platform including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-transport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to fit between said deposit platform members, carriage means including cooperating rollers and inclined tracks secured to said frame supporting said transport platform for movement under the influence of gravity from a package-pickup location adjacent said upper end of said package-deposit platform toward a package-discharge location adjacent said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport platform on said carriage means for movement of said pickup and transport platform from `a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pickup location such that packages may be lifted off said package-deposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform, actauting means including a handle operatively interconnecting said package and pickup platform and said carriage means to effect said movement between said retracted and said operative position at said pickup location in response to movement of said handle by the cashier, said carriage means being effective to advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages, under the influence of gravity, relative to said stationary package-deposit platform towards said checkout location at said stop, said pickup and transport platform halting when one of said packages engages said stop, said pickup and transport `platform and said contained packages continuing further progressive advancement towards said pickup location at said stop as individual packages are checked out, and a discharge platform extending away from said stop member and from said stationary package-deposit platform to receive successive packages after checkout.

7. ln a checkout counter for advancing packages from a deposit location at one end of said counter to the cashier at a checkout location at an intermediate point along said counter, a deposit platform at said deposit location, a transfer platform, said deposit platform and said transfer platform including a plurality of spaced apart members, said members of said transfer platform being positioned to t between the spaced apart members of said deposit platform, means mounting said transport platform for vertical movement with respect to said deposit platform, tracks mounted longitudinally on said checkout counter inclined to the horizontal, roller means mounting said platform on said tracks for movement along said counter between said deposit location and said checkout location, said roller means and said tracks being effective to bias said platform by the influence of gravity for movement toward said checkout location, means providing a discharge platform adapted to receive packages after having been checked out at said checking location, and manually operable return means to effect the return of said platform against the force of gravity to said deposit location to receive further packages.

8. in a checkout counter for advancing packages from a deposit location at one end of said counter to the cashier at a checkout location at an intermediate point along said counter, a deposit platform at said deposit location, a transfer platform, said deposit platform and said transfer platform including a plurality of spaced apart members, said members of said transfer platform being positioned to fit between the spaced apart members of said deposit platform, means mounting said transport platform for vertical movement with respect to said deposit platform, roller means mounting said transfer platform at an angle to the horizontal on said counter for movement between said deposit location and said checkout location, said roller means being effective to bias said transfer platform by the influence of gravity for movement toward said checkout location, means providing a discharge platfcrm adapted to receive packages after having been checked out at said checking location, and manually operable return means to effect the return of said transfer platform against the force of gravity to said deposit location to receive further packages.

9. A checkout counter for advancing packages from a package-deposit location at one end of said checkout counter to a package-checkout location intermediate the ends of said counter comprising a frame, an elongated stationary package-deposit platform extending from said end of said checkout counter toward said checkout location and including a plurality of spaced apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a stop member disposed transversely of said frame adjacent said platform members at said checkout location, a package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages off said package-deposit platform and to advance the same toward and into contact with said stop member, said pickup and transport platform including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surfaces providing a package transport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to fit between said deposit platform members, carriage means including cooperating rollers and tracks mounting said transport platform for movement within said checkout counter from a package-pickup location at said one end of said checkout counter toward said package-checkout location at said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport platform on said carriage means for movement of said transport surface from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the package deposit surface of said package deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pickup location such that packages may be lifted off said package-deposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform, actuating means operatively connected to said package and pickup platform comprising a pivotally mounted handle including cam means to produce relative motion between said transfer platform and said carriage means to move said platform from its retracted to its operative position and from its operative to its retracted position, said carriage means being effective to advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages relative to said stationary package-deposit platform incident to the checkout of packages at said checkout location, and a discharge platform mounted on said frame adjacent said checkout location and extending away from said stationary package-deposit platform and being adapted to receive packages after checkout.

10. A checkout counter for advancing packages from a package-deposit location at one end of said checkout counter to a package-checkout location intermediate the ends of said counter comprising a frame, an elongated stationary package-deposit platform extending from said end of said checkout counter toward said checkout location and including a plurality of spaced. apart elongated deposit platform members having upper surfaces providing a package-deposit surface, a stop member disposed transversely of said frame adjacent said platform members at said checkout location, a package-pickup and transport platform adapted to lift packages off said package-deposit platform and to advance the same toward and into Contact with said stop member, said pickup and transport platform including a plurality of spaced apart elongated transport platform members having upper surfaces providing a package transport surface, said transport platform members being adapted to fit between said deposit platform members, carriage means including cooperating rollers and tracks mounting said transport platform for movement within said checkout counter from a package-pickup location at said one end of said checkout counter toward said package-checkout location at said stop member, means operatively connected to and mounting said transport platform on said carriage means for movement of said transport surface from a retracted position below the package-deposit surface of said package-deposit platform to an operative position above the packagedeposit surface of said package-deposit platform when said transport platform is in said pick-up location such that packages may be lifted of said package-deposit platform onto said pickup and transport platform, actuating means operatively connected to said package and pickup platform comprising a handle connected to said pickup platform and said carriage means to move said platform from its retracted to its operative position and from its operative to its retracted position, said carriage means being effective to advance said pickup and transport platform and said contained packages relative to said stationary package-deposit platform incident to the checkout of packages at said checkout location, and a discharge platform mounted on said frame adjacent said checkout location and extending away from said stationary package-deposit platform and being adapted to receive packages after checkout.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Berry Feb. 16, 1954 

